Susu found his attitude strange and asked, "You've always disliked attending these events, yet you agreed so readily today. We'll inevitably have to meet Mengyao's parents, which might be awkward..."
"These are minor matters. We should prepare a generous red envelope to send our blessings to Song Jiaping. It's thanks to him that Wu Xiufang released Daisy," Tianyi explained his thoughts.
Susu agreed, thinking that given Dr. Song's character, even if he couldn't be with Mengyao, he would surely wish her happiness.
"I'll go by your word. We'll attend the wedding and prepare a large red envelope."
Tianyi pulled her away from her laptop and, holding her, said with emotion, "Fortunately, the obstacles between us weren't a deep-seated hatred between our families, otherwise..."
Susu, seeing him trail off, asked, "Otherwise, what would you have done?"
"Otherwise, I still wouldn't have let go. If you didn't want to, I would have kept you by my side." Tianyi pinched her chin, unable to imagine living like a walking dead man without her in his future.
Susu lightly hit his chest, finding his possessiveness somewhat endearing now.
"I think Dr. Song did one thing wrong. He should have told Mengyao the truth. Keeping her in the dark like this is too cruel to her."
Tianyi replied, "But if Mengyao knew the truth, she still couldn't be with Dr. Song, wouldn't that be even more painful?"
"At least she would know that the person she loves loves her back. It's completely different from being unilaterally abandoned," Susu, being a woman, understood women.
To love with clarity or to die in confusion—most women would choose to love with clarity, even if it meant heartbreak, for it would still be a life well-lived.
Tianyi, however, understood Dr. Song's reasoning, saying, "He wants to bear everything himself, thinking that if Mengyao remains ignorant, she can live happily."
"Alas, this kind of thinking men have is rather foolish. If you love each other, you should face and bear everything together. This self-righteous greatness," Susu said dismissively.
Tianyi was momentarily stunned but still couldn't tell Susu about the danger she would face.
He also intended to resolve it alone, not wanting to put Susu and the children in danger.
Susu, not hearing him speak for a while, asked, "What are you thinking about? Why are you so quiet?"
"I don't want to argue with you. I'm thinking it's time for bed." With that, he scooped her up, placed her on the bed, curved his lips, and leaned in to kiss her.
...
Originally, Huangfu Sisong and Wu Xiufang did not want Mengyao to get married too quickly, thinking they would wait until next year.
However, when Hong Jiaxi's parents came to discuss the marriage, they repeatedly expressed their hope that the two children would marry sooner and not delay any longer.
As for Jiaxi's marital home, they had already prepared it. When Jiaxi and Mengyao were young, they saw how well-matched they were.
The Hong family had anticipated Jiaxi marrying early and had everything prepared accordingly.
But they hadn't expected the changes that occurred during their university years. This delay had stretched for several years, and both were now considered to be of advanced age for marriage.
Huangfu Sisong also mentioned that Shaohua had passed away not long ago, and the Huangfu family did not wish to hold any joyous occasions this year.
Jiaxi's mother cited many examples of customs for funerals and weddings, saying that even when encountering sad events, it was more appropriate to hold a joyous occasion.
Seeing that Jiaxi's parents spoke eloquently and were very persuasive in urging Jiaxi to marry quickly.
Wu Xiufang had nothing more to say. She could only state that she needed to discuss it with Mengyao and, if Mengyao had no objections, they would give Jiaxi's parents a definitive answer.
When she asked Mengyao at home, she was surprised that Mengyao actually agreed.
"Yaoyao, you were unwilling before, saying you would never marry Jiaxi. Why are you willing now?"
Mengyao had completely come to terms with it. She wanted to sever her lingering feelings for Song Jiaping, be with Jiaxi properly, and ensure her own happiness in the future.
"Mom, I've thought it through. Jiaxi hasn't done anything terribly wrong. He learned to use some tactics, but that was because he loved me too much. I shouldn't disappoint or hurt him further, so I have no objections to him wanting to marry quickly."
Wu Xiufang asked her again, "Have you truly thought this through? Jiaxi is decent to you, but marriage is not as simple as love. By choosing him, you are essentially choosing his family and their Hong family's way of life."
"I know. I will protect myself well within the Hong family. Among the Hong family patriarch's three children, Jiaxi's father is the most valued, and Jiaxi is the patriarch's most cherished grandson. I won't be mistreated."
"It's good that you know. I'll discuss this with your father again." Wu Xiufang left her room, sighing.
Although this child knew the situation of the Hong family, could she truly avoid being manipulated by the chaotic members of the Hong family if she were truly in it?
The Hong family patriarch had been notoriously promiscuous in his youth, having three children who were not born to the same mother.
Naturally, there was little affection among these three children, and they had always fought fiercely.
However, as long as the Hong family patriarch was present, their squabbles could not escalate.
A few years ago, the Hong family patriarch fell seriously ill. During his illness, he handed over all Hong family affairs to Jiaxi's father, clearly indicating that he regarded Jiaxi's father as his successor.
Later, the Hong family patriarch recovered from his serious illness, and the three children shifted from open conflict to covert struggles.
Currently, Jiaxi's father seemed to be the winner with the patriarch's backing, but it was uncertain how their struggles would ultimately unfold or if Jiaxi's father would indeed become the successor.
Besides Jiaxi's father, the patriarch had another son and daughter, who were Jiaxi's father's older brother and sister. Both were very capable and formidable.
The patriarch also had two grandsons and a granddaughter of Jiaxi's generation, as well as a grandson-in-law. The Hong family was truly too complex.
This complexity had always been the reason why Wu Xiufang and Huangfu Sisong were not overly enthusiastic about Mengyao and Jiaxi's relationship.
When Mengyao and Jiaxi broke up and she was going abroad, they had supported her decision. Yet, after a roundabout journey, Mengyao was to marry Jiaxi after all.
Huangfu Sisong, after hearing Mengyao's thoughts, no longer objected, saying, "You handle this. It's fine for them to get married sooner; it will also stop the media from making a big fuss about them."
"Alright, then I'll tell Jiaxi's mother that their wedding will be next month, as the Hong family suggested."
Huangfu Sisong waved her away. He had never expected Mengyao to do anything for the Huangfu family. If she wanted to get married, so be it. It would also serve to strengthen their ties with the Hong family.
The Hong family patriarch had some prestige in the underworld, and the Hong family could be useful for resolving certain matters through unconventional means.
...
One day, Mengyao was shopping with her two best friends. She intended to buy a few new dresses to wear on her honeymoon after marrying Jiaxi.
As for the wedding dress and other attire, she didn't have to worry about them. Jiaxi's mother and her own mother were busy with the wedding arrangements, leaving her quite relaxed.
However, as she and her friends browsed the mall, she had a persistent feeling that someone was following them.
Mengyao kept looking back, but she couldn't see anyone.